Violet never ended up finding out what time her twin made it to bed after the costume ball. She knew it was very late and very dark when she heard their bedchamber door open and Ilse slip inside. She listened silently as Ilse fumbled while removing the priceless costume.
When Ilse finally crawled into their shared bed, Violet lay utterly still and with her eyes tightly closed.
The following morning, Ilse tried to ask Violet about her health, having noticed she'd retired from the banquet hall so early.
"Oh, don't you worry about me." Violet replied briskly. "I made a full recovery after getting a good night's sleep. I'm back to feeling well again."
"Are you sure, Vy? Shouldn't you see a physician just in case? I was quite worried when Her Majesty told me you'd left so early."
"Yes, I'm very sure." Violet made it clear with her tone that the conversation was over. After that, she refused to say another word about the ball.
